GOP lawmakers blast Patrick's toll hike, gas tax ideas

Friday

Feb 27, 2009 at 12:01 AMFeb 27, 2009 at 1:14 AM

Republican lawmakers went on the offensive against Gov. Deval Patrick's tax proposals Thursday, saying Massachusetts residents are being presented with the Democrats' "false choices" of increased taxes and tolls vs. an economic crisis of crumbling highways and limited state services.

Rosemary D'Amour

Republican lawmakers went on the offensive against Gov. Deval Patrick's tax proposals Thursday, saying Massachusetts residents are being presented with the Democrats' "false choices" of increased taxes and tolls vs. an economic crisis of crumbling highways and limited state services.

"We are tired of this argument being painted as if increasing the gas tax and raising the tolls are our only solutions," said Rep. Karyn Polito, R-Shrewsbury, following a State House press conference. "When the only choices presented amount to asking for more money from our citizens, there is no choice at all."

Republicans expressed disappointment following a Tuesday vote by the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority board for a $100 million toll hike, saying that Democratic leadership seemed to be interested more in revenue than reform.

Minority party leaders also noted a recent string of taxes on fuel, hotel and meals, and candy, soda and alcohol taxes as a way of avoiding necessary reforms and reducing government spending during a time of financial crisis.

"Reform seems to get put to the back burner, if it makes the stove at all," said House Minority Leader Bradley Jones, R-Reading, citing the cigarette tax and licensing fees.

Republican lawmakers also criticized the governor for taking two years to submit a transportation bill.

Rep. George Peterson, R-Westborough, noted that if reform legislation had been passed during the Romney administration nearly five years ago, the Turnpike would have avoided the current threat of financial ruin.

"If that had happened, we would not be looking at higher tolls today," said Peterson.

Patrick submitted his transportation reform bill on Tuesday, which includes a 19-cent increase on the state's 23.5-cent gasoline tax along with significant efficiency-driven reforms that the governor said would reduce the bureaucracy within the transportation department.

The criticisms by Republicans left a bitter taste for many Democrats.

"We're now dealing with 16 years of inaction by Republican governors," said freshman Rep. Kate Hogan, D-Bolton. "They did not take care of public buildings, universities, roads and bridges, and now they're criticizing a plan that has taken 16 months to develop."

The Turnpike Authority's board has given tentative approval to a plan to nearly double tolls for commuters coming into Boston from the western suburbs.

Patrick has said he would not support increases in both tolls and the gas tax. He said Wednesday he would veto legislation that did not involve "adequate" reform.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo, D-Winthrop, said he was hopeful that the Legislature would address the transportation issue next month, but many lawmakers are concerned they will not have enough time to pass legislation before the toll hikes go into effect.

Rep. David Linsky, D-Natick, said state government did not have sufficient revenue to wait for long.

"We should squeeze out every nickel and dime we have in the budget," said Linsky. "But at the end of the day, the state has $20 billion in unmet transportation and infrastructure needs, and there needs to be some revenue source to pay for it."

The Legislature has scheduled four regional hearings throughout the state, beginning next week, to discuss plans presented by Senate leadership and the governor for transportation reform and financing.

Information

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
The State Journal-Register ~ Street address: One Copley Plaza (corner of Ninth Street and Capitol Avenue), Springfield, ILMailing address: The State Journal-Register, P.O. Box 219, Springfield, IL 62705-0219 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service